Christopher Carter is the Chairman and CEO of Approyo, Inc., a global SAP, cloud, and AI solutions company that helps organizations migrate, manage, and optimize their SAP environments. With more than 25 years of experience in enterprise technology, Chris is known for guiding businesses through digital transformation, cloud modernization, and AI adoption. He is also a technology entrepreneur, speaker, and best-selling author of the Mastering SAP series, where he shares practical insights on SAP, cloud strategy, and emerging technologies.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [2:48] Key mentors and the figures who shaped Christopher Carter’s career direction
- [6:45] Why relationships are essential for tech career opportunities
- [11:44] Navigating fast-paced technology change without skipping the process
- [17:12] Approyo’s role in SAP cloud migration and system modernization
- [20:20] Why legacy infrastructure modernization has become a business priority
- [24:59] The danger of depending too heavily on one client
- [29:37] Billy Payne’s lasting lesson on empathy, leadership, and community impact
In this episode…
Technology may be changing how businesses operate, but it is not changing the need for trust, leadership, and human connection. As AI and cloud modernization become bigger priorities, how can companies move forward without losing sight of the people guiding that change?
For Christopher Carter, the answer starts with “bigger, better, faster, stronger humans leveraging AI.” Drawing from his experience as a technology entrepreneur, author, and digital transformation leader, Chris explains that AI works best when companies have internal champions, executive buy-in, clear guardrails, and a willingness to train people rather than replace them. His perspective is a reminder that modernization is not just about adopting new tools; it is about helping teams use those tools with purpose, confidence, and trust.
In this episode of In Good Company: Where Relationships Drive Results, Lisa Kilrea is joined by Christopher Carter, Chairman and CEO of Approyo, Inc., to discuss a human approach to AI and modernization. They explore AI adoption, SAP cloud migration, and leadership through change. Chris also shares advice on building relationships, culture, and continuous learning.
Resources mentioned in this episode
- Lisa Kilrea on LinkedIn
- WSI Manufacturing Marketing
- Christopher Carter on LinkedIn
- Approyo
- Dr. Hasso Plattner
- The AI-Driven Leader: Harnessing AI to Make Faster, Smarter Decisions by Geoff Woods
- Mastering SAP: A comprehensive guide to todays SAP Software by Christopher M. Carter
- Christopher Carter’s Amazon Bookstore
Quotable Moments
- “Relationships build trust, which builds long-term goals for each other, and you help each other.”
- “Get out and put your face out there.”
- “It’s about the people running those tools that are going to make it better.”
- “You don’t have to speed up to the speed of the technology; speed up to be able to solve the problem.”
- “You’re not going to skip steps in order to achieve success.”
Action Steps
- Build strong relationships before you need them: Trusted connections create long-term opportunities, open doors, and help people support each other through change.
- Create AI champions inside the organization: Having people who understand the tools, learn them deeply, and train others makes AI adoption more practical and sustainable.
- Put clear guardrails around AI use: Protecting private data and defining how tools should be used helps companies avoid careless mistakes while still benefiting from AI.
- Follow a thoughtful process during modernization: Moving fast is useful, but skipping planning, testing, and problem-solving steps can weaken the success of technology initiatives.
- Invest in continuous learning and training: Technology changes quickly, so regular upskilling helps teams stay confident, adaptable, and ready for new tools.
Sponsor for this episode…
This episode is sponsored by WSI EResults Manufacturing Marketing — revolutionizing digital marketing for the manufacturing industry.
At WSI EResults, we help B2B manufacturers, OEMs, and industrial distributors elevate their digital presence through AI-powered, data-driven strategies designed to generate targeted, impactful leads.
From AI-powered SEO and content marketing to tailored campaigns built for the unique challenges of the manufacturing sector, WSI EResults delivers the tools and expertise to help your business stand out, grow, and thrive.
Learn more at wsi-manufacturing-marketing.com. Your blueprint for smarter, more effective manufacturing marketing.
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